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The Audi A8L Security offers the highest level of ballistic protection available in passenger cars, and can even withstand grenades. Photo by Audi

This Audi A8 is grenade-proof

January 16, 2014

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While unveiling the Allroad E-Tron Shooting Brake at the Detroit auto show, Audi also quietly debuted the A8L Security version of its new range-topping sedan this week, armored to the highest level of ballistic protection for passenger cars. The A8L Security is based on the face-lifted version of Audi's third-generation A8 sedan, and this armored version will be available both with Audi 4.0 TFSI V8 engine and the 6.0-liter W12.

Audi set out to design the current A8L with building an armored version in mind, as opposed to the first-generation A8 of the 1990s which was not offered in Security specification until very late in the production cycle. The new A8L security is not easily distinguishable from the thin-skinned version of the long-wheelbase sedan, with higher-profile run-flat tires, thicker interior window frames, and thicker laminated glass that gives off a polarized effect being the most obvious tell-tale signs. This new A8L has been officially certified by the German Ballistics Center in Munich, and complies with the requirements of the VR 7 class of ballistic protection, a new standard for bullet-resistant vehicles that was implemented in 2009. The new Aud8 A8L Security is armored to VPAM Level 7, which corresponds to the EN 1063 Level B5/B6 standard, which can stop rounds fired from rifles such as the M16 and the AK-47.

The armored cocoon uses a number of materials including heat formed steel, aramid fabric, a special aluminum alloy, and ceramic materials in addition to multilaminated glass with several sandwiched layers of high-strength glass and splinter-inhibiting polycarbonate. The floor of the A8L Security is made out of a special aluminum alloy, and can withstand most grenades.

Audi claims to field the lightest armored sedan in this segment thanks to extensive use of aluminum throughout the car. Nevertheless, the ballistic armor and glass does add a few hundred pounds, which alter the driving dynamics quite a bit. All-wheel drive has become de rigueur for armored sedans during the past decade, and the A8L needs no upgrades there -- Quattro is standard on the sedan. Fuel economy for the 4.0 TFSI eight-cylinder 435-hp engine is an impressive 21.5 mpg U.S., and 17.4 mpg for he 500-hp W12. The sprint from 0-60 takes 7.5 seconds in the eight-cylinder version of the sedan, and 7.1 seconds in the W12 -- enviable statistics for this level of armoring.

Standard equipment includes an armored box in the trunk for the car's communications equipment, a protected box housing the battery, and a intercom system that allow the driver and passengers to communicate with people outside the car without lowering the windows. As options, the A8L security features special protection for the battery and the fuel tank.

The escape system is an industry-first for this class of car. Photo by Audi

The most impressive feature of the new A8L Security, and an industry-first for this class of car, is the emergency escape system. If the driver or rear passenger presses a button while pulling one of the inside door handles, pyrotechnic fracture bolts in the hinges will detach the door from the body so that it can be easily opened. This was developed to address the issue of passengers being trapped in the armored car following an accident or an explosion. Since there is overlapping armor in the thick doors, they tend to easily jam in traffic accidents. And unlike most other cars, tools like the Jaws of Life used by rescue personnel just won't be able to open the door of an armored car if the door frame is warped following a severe crash.

Another interesting feature is the fire extinguisher system, which sprays foam into the wheel arches and the underbody of the car at the press of a button. This is designed to extinguish fires caused by roadside bombs that may hit the vehicle. Other options include a siren and PA system, a blue light package consisting of LED strobes which can be discreetly installed behind the grille and into the side view mirrors, a smoke extractor for the interior, and prewiring for analog and digital communications systems.

Audi expects to start deliveries of this model in the third quarter of 2014. Pricing has not been announced yet, though we expect it to be well north of the price for the thin-skinned W12 version even for an armored 4.0-liter TFSI A8L Security. The choice of options can swing the total cost of comparable cars well past $200,000.